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Numbers 29:30 - Sacrifices' precise divine measurements

Numbers 29:30 - במדבר 29:30

Hebrew Text

וּמִנְחָתָם וְנִסְכֵּיהֶם לַפָּרִים לָאֵילִם וְלַכְּבָשִׂים בְּמִסְפָּרָם כַּמִּשְׁפָּט׃

English Translation

and their meal offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the ordinance:

Transliteration

Uminchatam veniskeihem laparim la'eylim velakvasim bemisparam kamishpat.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּמִנְחָתָ֣ם וְנִסְכֵּיהֶ֡ם לַ֠פָּרִ֠ים לָאֵילִ֧ם וְלַכְּבָשִׂ֛ים בְּמִסְפָּרָ֖ם כַּמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃
וּמִנְחָתָ֣ם וְנִסְכֵּיהֶ֡ם לַ֠פָּרִ֠ים לָאֵילִ֧ם וְלַכְּבָשִׂ֛ים בְּמִסְפָּרָ֖ם כַּמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 29:18) appears in the section detailing the additional offerings (Musafim) brought on Sukkot. It specifies the meal offerings (Mincha) and drink offerings (Nesachim) accompanying the animal sacrifices—bulls, rams, and lambs—according to their prescribed quantities.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi clarifies that the phrase "כַּמִּשְׁפָּט" ("after the ordinance") refers to the established laws given earlier in the Torah (Bamidbar 15:1-16), which dictate fixed measurements for meal and drink offerings based on the type of animal sacrificed:

  • For a bull: 3/10 of an ephah of fine flour and 1/2 hin of wine.
  • For a ram: 2/10 of an ephah of fine flour and 1/3 hin of wine.
  • For a lamb: 1/10 of an ephah of fine flour and 1/4 hin of wine.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchos Maaseh HaKorbanos (2:1), the Rambam emphasizes that these measurements are halachically binding and cannot be altered. The precision reflects the divine wisdom underlying the sacrificial service, ensuring uniformity in avodah (Temple service).

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash Tanchuma (Pinchas 14) connects the term "מִשְׁפָּט" to justice, teaching that the offerings rectify imbalances in the world. The consistent measurements symbolize HaShem's equitable judgment, where each offering—regardless of the animal's size—contributes to spiritual harmony.

Symbolism in the Offerings

Rabbeinu Bachya notes that the descending quantities (bull > ram > lamb) parallel the hierarchy of creation: the bull represents strength (symbolizing nations), the ram signifies leadership (like Avraham’s akeidah), and the lamb embodies humility (akin to Yisrael’s devotion). The accompanying meal and drink offerings elevate these traits through divine service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 29:30 mean?
A: Numbers 29:30 describes the specific meal and drink offerings that were to accompany the sacrifices of bulls, rams, and lambs during the festival of Sukkot. The verse emphasizes that these offerings must be given in precise quantities ('according to their number') as prescribed by Torah law (Rashi on Numbers 29:30).
Q: Why is this verse important?
A: This verse is important because it teaches the precision required in Divine service. The Torah specifies exact measurements for each offering, showing that serving Hashem requires attention to detail and adherence to halacha (Jewish law). The Rambam (Hilchos Maaseh HaKorbanos) explains that these laws teach us discipline in our relationship with G-d.
Q: How does this apply today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot bring sacrifices today without the Temple, our Sages teach that prayer (tefillah) and Torah study now stand in place of sacrifices (Talmud Berachos 26a). Just as the verse emphasizes proper measurements in offerings, we learn to pray with proper concentration and follow halachic details in our prayers and mitzvah observance (Midrash Tanchuma, Tzav 14).